LETTER: It’s ok to attack terrorism war

Dear Editor,

I am writing in defense of politically-inclined Americans and their exercise of free speech. “Only Cowards Fight Democracy” was a feeble attempt to silence a growing assemblage of Americans who question our country’s leadership.

Many of the politically passionate tuned into President Bush’s state of the union address, including myself, and were alarmed to hear our leader verbally attack volatile Middle East nations.

It infuriates me and some of my colleagues that the American leadership has become so self-absorbed and has the audacity to wage a large-scale war without the support of many of our trusted allies; a result of a lethal combination of an ill-equipped military and an uninhibited president.

As a proud citizen of the United States, I take no reservation in voicing my concerns. I refuse to be led blindly, rallying behind an overzealous leader. My concern does not garner the label of “traitor.”

I urge you to question authority. If you are truly grateful to be an American, question the leadership and pursuits of this country. Do not allow democracy to fall into the hands of politicians and condemn those who vocalize disagreement.

Perhaps it is those raising concerns that are the most patriotic. They care too much to keep silent.

Finally, I’d like to point out how easy it is to categorize critics of President Bush and his policies with labels such as “liberals” and write them off as “traitors.”

Perhaps political leaders such as Tom Daschle as well as vocal persons in the media such as Ted Turner are indeed the noblest American citizens. They are informed individuals whose ideals may differ from the “conservative” stance and are willing to take a stand. Daschle didn’t affirm his Senate position by being a passive bystander, and Turner has certainly threatened his own popularity and, consequently, his assets to publicly affirm his position.

Their patriotism is deeper felt than those who display American flags only during war. They are the courageous defenders of democracy.

Kata Vehar